The last day in class with Sam and his beloved economics class at Edwards School was a heartbreaking read. Some of the last lessons that Sam taught related back to the first lessons, and really tended that class off on a high note. The most interesting point that he brought up was incentives versus bans. Bans do not work as well as incentives because you need middle management, and so many things could go wrong. When you have incentives and encourage innovation, things get done in a much shorter time, with the desired result. Sam also clues into how there are always two sides to every law, and each decision we make has an unforeseen effect. These lessons in economics and in life summarized Sam's class perfectly and taught me in particular about the roller coaster of economics.

Reply

Brianna Barboza

5/12/2014 10:18:17 am

As the story comes to an end, we see Sam finish off with his last class and give the readers a sense of nostalgia, allowing us to remember when he was first introduced. In this chapter, Sam actually does make some pretty valid points here regarding bans, laws, and then going as deep as to telling us about how we as humans are unable to see the future. I may not be too fond of Sam, but for these last parts of the story, he redeemed himself.

Reply

Rachel Maristela

5/12/2014 10:39:12 am

It was really sad to read the part where Sam has to leave his classroom , his students, and the school because of what had happened to him. I truly agree with Laura that Sam's firing from the Edwards School is really stupid because even though Sam couldn't control his opinions about the government and everything else, he still taught the students to think about economics throughly especially in the real-world. Every teacher has their own way of teaching, and I truly believe that the board, (mostly Senator Hunt) was just ticked off of what he had taught his daughter, and that Sam could of just kept his job. But what did surprise me was when the seniors sang a song that they dedicated to Sam, it was a shock to see that they were also kind of helping him out possibly to keep his position as a teacher at Edwards School. Anyways, this story turned out to be a good ending and I really enjoyed this book because of the many ways you can think about economics based off the perspectives of the characters in this book.

Reply

Gage Gamboa

5/12/2014 10:54:35 am

I enjoyed Sam's final lesson. It was nice to see him present an addition to a previous lesson. The addition being how he talked about the unforeseen consequences that occur when you try to create solutions to tailor to incentives. I loved it when Sam said, "And if you want to be a good economist, always look for the unseen." I think that it summed up a lot of Sam's perspective. Not necessarily to say that he always searched for the unknown, but that he always considered the obscure.

Reply

Abby Thompson

5/12/2014 12:23:23 pm

I thought the part where it was Sam's last day as a teacher was very sad, both because it showed how he felt about having to leave the job and how his students felt about him, up to the point where they didn't leave when the bell rang. It was also pretty touching when Rose (Her name escapes me at the moment) offered to give up information about her father for the benefit of Sam, but I think it was good that be declined her offer because it could have made matters worse and it was probably not in Sam's nature to do something like that. Later on, the end of the play the seniors put on for Sam was touching too because even though they were going to get in trouble, the seniors sang a song about their opinions on the whole firing Sam thing. I liked the ending a lot and I'm sad that it's over =(

Reply

Meranda

5/12/2014 12:58:17 pm

The wrap up of Sam's final lesson was actually really sad to read because you knew that he was leaving. I think his final lesson was wonderful though and that he never should have been fired. The song the seniors wrote about him was great, and I wish that Sam could have stayed to hear that last line. I was not a huge fan of the ending chapter though. A lot of times authors do a "three month later" epilogue type thing in books to wrap the story up and I felt like this one wasn't really wrapped up. It ended in the same place that if the book had ended a few chapters before it would have been the same. He would have still been trying to be with Laura, and we didn't really know where he was going with his life. It was an awesome book that I really enjoyed, I just felt like the ending could have been a little bit better because it left me wondering a lot of questions. Although I did love how cute the ending was.

Reply

Anthony W.

5/12/2014 01:14:43 pm

I find that the ending of the book was great in both the literary sense and the economic lesson sense. Speaking in terms of the literature, I found it to be interesting to see Sam go, and as my peers have said, it may have left the end open, but it differentiated this book from different books and made it stand out even more. I liked how Sam's final lesson kind of built upon the topics that the reader had learned about earlier in the book. Overall, I think that the book as a whole is a great literary device to help teach people about economics via the underlying lessons within the many different scenes without making it too complicated.

Reply

Meilani

5/12/2014 01:32:10 pm

I thought this book was amazing, and Sam's last lesson on economics made me compare the lessons we have had in class. In Sam's classes, I felt things were always circled around money and value while in our class, we talked a lot about utility. It wasn't until Sam mentioned that 'economics isn't about money...' that I realized that they didn't talk about people's happiness a lot but mainly focuses ob how to make things 'better'. His decision not to testify was interesting because he was such a capable speaker that he could've turned some of the board around, but it fits his character of not doing/thinking what you would expect.

Reply

Ysabella Dawson

5/12/2014 01:40:25 pm

I think that there were a lot of very interesting topics that were brought up in the conclusion of this book, but one conversation between Sam and Laura that struck me the most was the discussion about discrimination and justice. Even if people try to repress it, no matter what we do we will still show some initial level of judgment upon the unfamiliar people around us. I remember in sixth grade, I was introduced by one of my friends to one of her friends, and the only thing I could think was “Who is this and why are they so tall?” Despite the fact that we are all told as children not to judge a book by its cover, we pass judgment on people every day, whether based on height, skin color, gender or what we’ve heard about them. I passed initial judgment on that girl I had just met, but I got to know her after that and we’ve been friends ever since. In Freakonomics it was said that an African-American person, or a person with an African-American sounding name is less likely to be contacted for a job interview, even if he they have the exact same experience and skill as someone with a white-sounding name. Also that women are paid less than men for the same job. These are discriminations that negatively impact peoples’ lives, and although removing all levels of judgment and prejudice from human nature is impossible we should still strive to not pass premature judgment upon people.

Reply

Preston Royal

5/12/2014 02:05:02 pm

I THINK that it was extremely sad to see Sam leaving from his classroom. He brought a lot of courage and knowledge to a classroom in a different kind of way. It was really cool to read these lessons that you honestly wouldn't have any other teacher try, due to opinions being frowned upon in schools. I FEEL that it was right for Sam to leave. To be 100% honest, sharing his opinions was probably not the best thing for the seniors in his class, but it helped them learn, and thats what matter. I WONDER if Sam will ever teach again. I am highly doubting it, but if he feels that his ideas are needed i am sure he will provide them being the person that he is.

Reply

Sophia C.

5/12/2014 02:06:50 pm

I started out not liking this book at all, the characters annoyed me and I didn't agree with a lot of the views presented. I know I know, we should be open to hearing different ideas than our own. I am, well, sort of. One thing that annoyed me throughout the entire book was that Sam, as a teacher, seemed to be shoving his opinions at his students in a way that made them seem like fact. While people do make decisions for themselves, they are heavily influenced by their teachers and what is presented to them in school. You decide what you want to do as a career, essentially, you decide the rest of your life. So the fact that Sam was pushing his views was frustrating to me although he did on occasion present alternate theories. When at the end this appeared to be the reason he was being fired, I was actually happy, yep, I was. It wasn't that I hated Sam like I did at the beginning, I just thought, like Sam actually, that it was their decision. I thought it was the right one too.

However, unlike Sam, I don't share that hate of anti-discrimination laws. Well, you win some you lose some. Overall though, I felt like even though I dreaded having to read the book, it was a good experience.

Reply

Vivian Mason

5/12/2014 02:09:19 pm

In the final chapters of this amazing novel Sam closes his class with a lesson on bans versus incentives. He believes bans do not work because one needs "middle management". He also believes things could go wrong when working with only bans. This made me wonder: what is the true middle ground? In some people (myself) I am more motivated to do good in order to avoid the bad, whereas someone else might be motivated to do great in order to achieve a reward. So maybe Sam's theory is incorrect.
Near the conclusion of the book same chooses not to testify, something that I personally disagree with. However disagreeing with someones actions does not mean one dislikes the person. I disagree do to the power that he holds. If someone can use there talent, of say speaking, to change people opinions they should use it. Sam's decision, even though I disagree, made me respect him. In total this novel was interesting and taught me new ideals, over all my only regret is there is not a sequel.

Reply

Tess Herzog

5/12/2014 02:10:16 pm

Although the book is coming to an end, I am amazed at the number of lessons it taught throughout. Sam was always showing different perspectives on different topics. A lesson was brought up in one of the last chapters about boats taking prisoners to Australia, and trying to make it so that the captain would attempt to keep more of them alive. I like how he says that he would have to give incentives to the captain, not regulations as those would be impossible to enforce. I think it brings a very logical point to the table. If you are trying to make a child do well in school, giving money as an incentive (as shown in freakonomics) works much better than simply telling them they "have to do well or else...." It gives the person a reason to do well, without having to put your own time or energy into them doing well. They will naturally do it on their own with incentive.

Reply

Crystal Delgado

5/12/2014 02:19:40 pm

Sam's rebuttles to every comment and question on his lessons, or soemtimes little rants, are so intruiging. He makes great comparisons, for example chikens vs. elephants, he was able to completely turn that comment around show there was no real difference in how chuckens are kept vs. how elephants are in different countries. Although, I don't sense the normal spunk and you can tell he's really trying to wrap things up and remind the students little lesson he has taught them in the short time he was there. He also sums up not only the lessons he's taught, but also what economics is in order to fully graspt heir attentionon everything he's ever taught them. The musical number I wasn't expecting but it was also very touching, it really showed how he didn't go unappreciated and his teachings really sank in. Not only did Sam teach his class a whole lot about economics, but I also learned a lot from him as a reader from him as well. This was definitely a useful and well written tale of economics.

Reply

Carly

5/12/2014 02:22:30 pm

I was extremely satisfied with the ending of this book. I thought that it ended with many interesting points, such as the dangers of unforeseen consequences and incentives versus regulation. I feel that the former is an important lesson, even if someone takes a very different view than an economist, because unforeseen consequences can arise from any decision made, even if it seems like the best option.
Overall, I was satisfied with how the book ended. I was slightly upset at the author providing no actual reason for Sam getting fired, and I am torn between the viewpoints of it being lazy storytelling and it being kind of realistic. However, I like how the author made it so Sam and Laura came full circle, having their last scene in the same setting as their first.

Reply

Sabrina

5/12/2014 02:56:38 pm

I feel like while Sam's class really taught his students a conclusion to economics, he also gave us a little insight to his view on his current situation (or him being fired as a result of his teaching methods and views). By talking about unforseen occurences as a result of tailored incentives, I feel like he was reflecting on his own mistakes. He tried to tailor his class with incentive of satisfying his own needs to express his views. While this in most schools would work well, Sam faced an unforseen occurence as a result of his chosen lesson plan. I do not agree with the boards final descion of firing Sam, but I do think that he could have taken steps to not only avoid this verdict, but to also cease any doubts in the boards minds about his teaching skills. Sam could have been a bit more politically correct in his lessons, thus perhaps avoiding conflict.

Reply

Hannah OConnell

5/12/2014 03:14:54 pm

I felt pretty emotionally distraught in this section of reading. As soon as I saw the first chapters title sadness welled within me. I think anyone who loves their job and the people they interact with in their job would be sad when they have to go, and are experiencing things for the last time. For a teacher, I imagine their last class with a group of students they like is heartbreaking. I was really touched by what Sam said toward the end of his last class. It went something along the lines of "I know you won't remember everything I taught, that is how the mind works, things are forgotten. All I hope is that you remember what I said at the beginning of the year and what I tell you today." He really made me think about what we have been learning. I mean, we have learned to empathize with other human beings and how to act! How we can make a difference, and have learned skills that will help us in our future. Useful thinking. And that is exactly what Sam taught his students. How to think. It angers me to think that the senator got threatened by the fact Sam was teaching the senators daughter to simply think rationally. Sheesh.
I found the ending performance by the students to be bold and absolutely perfect. They thought for themselves. They analyzed what they were about to do, how people would react and how their point would get across, liked the odds and went for it. They made a statement that really made an impact on the confused audience, angered board members, and two teachers. Sam reacted rather much, and I'm still unsettled by the fact Laura cried. I'm proud of Amy though, she was fantastic.

When it comes down to the ending, I'm content with the way it ended. Sam and Laura make a cute couple, and I'm glad he is on his feet. It was an excellent read.

Reply

Karen Barragan

5/12/2014 03:50:56 pm

These last few chapters were very itneresting because the connections that were made about ecnomics were very interesting, such as the wood example. Towards the end of the book, when they mentioned it is about providing children of the next generation the chance to use their skills to their full potential, was something that stood out to me. They made it clear that it was not only about making the children wealthy, but giving them an opportunity to select the lives they chose for themselves. Most people leave their towns in search for better opportunities, and measuring the opportunities they get in those towns is somehting I would be interested in researching. Overall, this was an amazing book. Although I found it difficult to understand the economics behind most of the book, it was worth having to re read a couple of times in order to fully comprehend. I think this is one of those books everyone should read sometime in high school, because it does take economics to another level.

Reply

Erik Salazar

5/12/2014 04:28:40 pm

After finishing this book, I felt a missing sense of closure, I was not sure how Laura and Sam's relationship would end or what would happen to Sam after their meeting on the subway, however, this book was written because of its economic lessons. Throughout the final chapters, the book covered numerous topics from the threats of illusions in business to how businesses play a role in the economy for everyone. The book was able to clearly explain these topics in a simple way, leaving me entertained and knowledgeable. I specifically liked the example he gave referring to how it may seem wrong giving permission to kill elephants when in reality they are saving more than if they did not give permission. It is all about perspective, do not make an irrational decision just because it appears to be harmful, study its pros and cons and "weigh the utility" before making an opinion on a topic.

Reply

Sophia Komanik

5/12/2014 05:04:47 pm

I thought these last couple of chapters were touching,especially when the children stayed after the bell because they didn't want to leave. I would have love to be in his class he covered so many different lessons and he had different views on the topics. That is what was always so interesting in his class his different perspectives on the topic at hand. After reading this book I feel more pre-pared for an economics class.

Reply

Grady Gumner

5/12/2014 05:45:38 pm

With each page I read of The Invisible Heart I became more and more agitated with the beliefs of Sam. I implore all those who read this book to really think about what you think, not what Sam thinks. Throughout the book I couldn't help but see the resemblance of Sam and the conservative ideology of today. While some of Sam's ideas were well-intended, most were deeply flawed For example his belief that corporations have no responsibility to their workers is one continuously spouted off by today's politicians. When companies get so large that their revenue is higher than the GDP of many small countries they absolutely have a responsibility to treat their workers right. After all, these companies make their money off the backs of workers. I understand that Sam is an economist, and that he looks at things in terms of money, but that DOES NOT mean he is always right. In fact, morality often outweighs economic incentive for most people. However as most people know, corporations ARE NOT people and lack basic morals.

Reply

Alex Demos

5/12/2014 05:56:53 pm

There were a few words that I clung onto from chapter eighteen, and those were "Money isn't everything. I know that sounds funny coming from an economist. But economics isn't about money, it's about whatever gives you satisfaction and makes you content." I thought it was interesting how he's only just now coming to an end and letting these kids know the true meaning behind economics. I, for one, did not know the true meaning of economics until I starting reading this book and learning about it, either. It came to me as more of a surprise, that economics is more behind logical reasoning, rather than just money and numbers like most people interpret it to be. Each topic he covered throughout the book helped give me a broader view on the topic of economics, something I look forward to learning more about in the future.

Reply

Ryan Novak

5/12/2014 06:11:48 pm

The Invisible Heart has quickly become one of my favorite books. It had the drama of a love story mixed with the economics and intellect of a more scholarly work. So it kept one interested while presenting truly interesting information. Sam's last class was real low point in the novel, that was high on emotion, but was overall a very depressing point. He was obviously a great teacher as shown by his students sticking around past the but as Sam showed Laura, sometimes the skill of the worker has very little to do with the workers on situation. In a perfect ecnomy there would be no competition because everyone would be working in their best regard. I found it most interesting when Sam talked about discrimination and how everyone discriminates. It seems that this applies similar to lying in that everyone discriminates at least a little bit because that is natural, but any more is discouraged by society so it doesn't occur as often. Similar to lying, I think discrimination has a huge affect on the work place and in consumer economics in general. This book demonstrated many key economic concepts in a completely radical and new way that oftentimes makes it immensely easier to understand. The Invisible Heart was a joy to read.

Reply

Xochitl Aguinaga

5/13/2014 12:12:52 am

As I finish the Invisible Heart, I can't help thinking that my perspective has changed a little in regards to economics. I feel that after reading this book I have a greater respect for economics as a science. I think mainly what I learned from this reading is that economists always question the conventional ways of thought and look for the rationale in a situation. I thought, as many of my other classmates might have, that economics was this very soulless career where people looked at numbers and stocks, in hopes of getting rich. The Invisible Heart really puts into place the economist perspective, and that it can come from anyone, even a high school teacher.New outlooks on life are always valuable and I am glad to have gained this understanding.

Reply

Jessica B

5/13/2014 12:16:08 am

I believe that Sam saying "Always look for the unseen," is a great identifier for who he is as a person and a teacher. He does not share traditional views, especially those of other teachers and I believe that this is because he looks through what other people to see and gets at the core of whatever is actually causing the problem. Watching (or rather reading) Sam having to leave his class, where he was obviously making such a huge impact was heart wrenching for me personally as a student. Teachers like Sam ought to be valued for making students THINK rather than memorize. The school system has proven to be flawed, firing teachers like Sam being one of these flaws. Despite this, I am sure Sam will find something that will make him happy as I can't see him settling for just any high paying corporate job.

Reply

Trey Lewis

5/13/2014 12:34:30 am

I was a little bumped out by the lack of debates going on in the end of the book. They decided they have other things to talk about, this made me craving for them eve more. I loved the rebuttals that each one had. Sam had such creative attacks and Laura could defend quite easily. They had great points from both sides, and to see that go really annoys me in a way.

Reply

Paris Gramann

5/13/2014 12:43:45 am

I really like the idea of the sailors. However, I don't completely see the connection with the permits. I kept waiting for him to connect it with the tax deductions at the end of the year. His ideas all make sense to me and although sometimes cold seeming, they all seem amoral.

I am sad to see him go. Also, it seems that Laura will do well in her time at the school and she will hopefully continue thinking critically and for herself.

Reply

Salina

5/13/2014 06:06:10 am

As this book ended, I learned more about the ways of economics specifically in the last chapters. These lessons taught me its all about perspective and knowing the pros and cons before coming to a decision. Economics is not like what I had thought before, which was that someone sat around looking at numbers and statistics all day. This book really changed that opinion it showed me that it can come from anywhere or anyone. So I really enjoyed gaining this new knowledge while also getting to read about Sam and Lauras fun love story filled with all their banter.

Reply

John E.

5/13/2014 07:25:43 am

I really liked the way this book ended, and their conclusion to economics. There were a lot of ideas that he touched on that are still unclear to me, but overall, I am content with the end of the book. I admire sam and how he questioned everything throughout the book. I think it is a good thing to question, and he really portrayed that in this book. There was not one thing Sam didnt question, and what I found even more interesting was how Sam used the things he questioned to engage in conversations about them.

Reply

Rachel Deaton

5/13/2014 09:06:57 am

This book taught me a lot about economics in a fun way! I loved the nut room, ceo and bagel examples. It really caught my attention. I am sad that this book is ending because Sam and Laura had a great connection. I know the book was mainly about economics but I did enjoy the relationship and discussions Sam and Laura had. I know Sam was really arrogant and only interested in economics but I love the idea that they both knew different things. Sam had a strength in economics, while Laura was strong in literature. Overall, it was a great book!

Reply

Jessica Pollock

5/13/2014 11:50:01 am

There were two moments in these last chapters that struck me. It was an interesting point when Sam brought up the difference of incentives vs. regulations. Me personally would rather make a decision based on what I will benefit from rather than making a decision based on the disciplines I will receive. Same states that bans do not work as well as incentives and I believe this is true.
Another part that struck me was when Sam states “economica isn’t about money, it’s about whatever gives you satisfaction and makes you content”. Throughout the book I realized that economics isn’t all about the money you spend but more about making the right choice.

Reply

Chelsea

5/13/2014 12:39:03 pm

Overall this was an interesting book that taught me about economics in a different and interesting way. From start to end, I really was interested in the way Sam taught his class because he used critical thinking, just like we utilized at high tech high. It was heart breaking when Sam was asked to leave the school, because I feel that the student were actually enjoying Sam’s ways of teaching. I myself would’ve enjoyed his ways of teaching because he brought up really good points that made you question them. But when you think about, a teacher in this case Sam, should have not been so open with with opinions to his seniors class. Although I personally would have wished and liked if the author would have gave a reason for Sam being fired.

Reply

Ryan Martinez

5/13/2014 01:03:48 pm

This book was defiantly a fun way to learn about Economics. I still really like the NBA vs. Teachers Salary, and other discussions similar to that. Although I do think that it was kind of sad to see Sam leaving his classroom. He seemed to bring so much to the classroom, and for him to just leave, it seems as if the classroom will never be the same. Probably my favorite thing that I admired most about Sam, is he wasn't necessarily afraid to share his opinions with his peers. I do however think that it'd be smart if Sam were to teach again. That way he can bring in that different perspective to the class, even if they don't really agree with it. At least they are learning about both sides,and only knowing about one side.

Even though this book was based on economics it was interesting from the beginning to the end. It was really interesting the way Sam taught his students. I'd actually would like to be taught like that, the way he taught was very opened minded. I was sadden when Sam was told to leave the school, he was probably the best teacher at that school and really gave his student something to ponder about. I would really like to know why Sam was fired.

Reply

Jackson Walker

5/13/2014 02:42:28 pm

The chapter in which Sam leaves was surprisingly touching. I began reading the chapter with a smug reluctant grin that one might imagine after reading my last reflection, but after reading the last words my countenance reflected the dramatized emotional reaction Sam had. The ending itself was as I would have assumed, to put it in pessimistic, dull terms. I am probably just too harsh in my reflections- but then again a reflection does not really have any standards. I think I know what the problem I have with this book is: a good book, in my perspective, is where you will read a couple of beautiful sentences that perhaps send a chill down your spine, and then I imagine the writer sitting in a chair, typing away at that sentence; behind them are rays of light dispersing from natures satisfaction with such humble literature. But when I read a couple sentences in this book, or where I feel like the writer tried to accomplish this, all I see is a young recent graduate who simply wants to finish their almost-complete debut book, forgoing the try artistic process that must be taken to achieve what was described before. It is quite a wordy way to describe it, but the best I can do.
The numerous complaints about the book are almost ironic considering the book changed so many of my opinions in economic and political matters. I believe that any book that can change your opinion in such a brief manner of a couple pages should be regarded as respectable. The parts of the story that are explaining economics ideas are respectable. I don't see the story itself as the same however, but that's not neccassarily comparable. Perhaps these insightful explanations of ideas that everyone seems to innately disagree with belong somewhere else. But, that is just my opinion.

Reply

Karye

5/13/2014 03:16:11 pm

Before this book and unit, I didn't know hardly anything about economics. I've learned so much through Sam and his arguments. It was such an interesting way to write a book and I could really relate with Sam. His views were always amoral, a view which few would think of, and statistics based. He puts up a compelling argument that could sway anyone's opinion and I admired that about his character. Like others said, it was sad to see him leave.

Reply

Malia Mendiola

5/16/2014 04:53:30 pm

The scene in which Sam explains his situation to Laura, underneath the cherry trees and facing the beautiful DC view, was quite touching. He was such a defender of his economic views that, even when capitalism was harmful to him personally, he supported it. Laura couldn't understand why he accepted the dismal/firing so easily. I don't think it was that he easily accepted. Sam was a great teacher who must miss his job terribly. I think he realized that he couldn't be a hypocrite and that he was young and single. The hunt for a new job wasn't the end of the world. When the seniors lament his leaving, in the memorable senior skit song finale, it is a gesture of kindness. But it freaked him out and caused him to skip graduation. While the firing was portrayed as a tragic event that Sam humbly shouldered, I don't think it was. Sam didn't either, he knew his firing while not justified was completely acceptable. The author I feel like didn't totally buy this. The author overtly sympathized with Sam. The irony of this ending is that it shows how Sam's perfect free market has flaws. These flaws are not shown as dramatically as they could be. If Sam were a young father or in need of a life saving medical procedure, the prospects would look grimmer. Sam mentions what if a book were written detailing the tragic lives of farming youth pushed out to poverty by progress and streamlined business. This book exists. It is called Grapes of Wrath and people today still understand it is a tragedy. Yes, capitalism continued and business got more efficient. So maybe no one wins immediately. But if everyone is paying for the profit of future and jobs will always be cut for new opportunities to open, how is that better? I feel like most this is over my head but I'm trying to make sense of it.

Reply

Leave a Reply.

Author

Write something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview.